Read and view here some information about our anthem changing.
1. What language was the anthem first written in?
2. What is meant by gender neutral?
3. Was the first version of the anthem gender neutral?
4. Do you like the new version better? Why or why not.
5. The anthem was debated in Ottawa, and then changed by a vote of politicians in Ottawa. What other way to you think Canadians could change their anthem?
6. Below is the whole English version of the Anthem and the first stanza of the French version. Some of the language is pretty old. Pick a line and modernize it from one of the stanzas below and modernize it.
The new English version, 1st Stanza
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
The official translation of the French version, 1st Stanza
O Canada!
Land of our ancestors
Glorious deeds circle your brow
For your arm knows how to wield the sword
Your arm knows how to carry the cross;
Your history is an epic
Of brilliant deeds
And your valour steeped in faith
Will protect our homes and our rights,
Will protect our homes and our rights.
The other English Stanzas
- O Canada! Where pines and maples grow.
- Great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow.
- How dear to us thy broad domain,
- From East to Western sea.
- Thou land of hope for all who toil!
- Thou True North, strong and free!
- Chorus:
- God keep our land glorious and free!
- O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
- O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
- O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies
- May stalwart sons, and gentle maidens rise,
- To keep thee steadfast through the years
- From East to Western sea.
- Our own beloved native land!
- Our True North, strong and free!
-
- Chorus
- Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer,
- Hold our Dominion in thy loving care;
- Help us to find, O God, in thee
- A lasting, rich reward,
- As waiting for the better Day,
- We ever stand on guard.
-
- Chorus
